It dawned on me that I have never really done a blog post about my journey into Foam Free Floristry. Nor do I mention it very often as much to my arrogance I just seem to assume that everyone knows the intricate ins and outs of my business as much as I do! However of course no one is going to know my business as well as I do, that is a silly assumption to make. Which got me to thinking that I really do need to be speaking a lot more about my business being completely foam free.

Throughout my work I only use completely foam free sustainable mehcanics. I haven’t used any floral foam in my work since 2018. Previously I have been a little nervous to share this but actually I think it’s a pretty big deal that I made the switch and I am proud of myself for doing it. Especially as even now as I write this there are a vast amount of florists that still use floral foam. The way I see it though, if we all make small changes they add up to create a huge positive impact for the enviroment.

My Journey into foam free florals

I have had my business for 14 years! I honestly can’t believe it has been that long! When I first established my business there wasn’t all the education surrounding floral foam that there is now. Highlighting how bad it is for the environment (as well as us using it!) I feel awkward saying this but using the floral foam was the norm. Personally though I found many flower varities were not happy being placed into foam. They didn’t last that long. Understanably so, you are sticking a natural product into an unatural, chemically man made product.

Flowers are at their happiest and perform at their best when just placed directly into water. Scientists had done some research into floral foam. It was then that we realised. The foam particles are made up of microplastics and toxic components. The microplastics can contaminate soil and waterways, harming wildlife and potentially entering the food chain. 

Further more, they discovered that floral foam was non-biodegradable. Meaning, it NEVER decomposes and therefore spends eternity sitting in landfills. Needless to say it is no good for the enviroment, it also isn’t good for us to be breathing in and handling a toxic product on a regular basis. As a floral designer and someone who loves flowers and nature finding this out, I knew I immediately needed to stop using it. Personally to have continued using it would have felt morally wrong and hypocritical.

Yes, sometimes using no floral foam does require more thought and planning. Especially when creating larger scale installations but it is 100% doable! Coming up with foam free, sustainable mechanics has just become second nature to me. I couldn’t imagine working any other way. It is great to challenge yourself as well, when a particuarly challenging brief comes in. Figuring out what mechanics you are going to use to create that particular design gives me a real sense of achievement.

Now my business is by no means perfect when it comes to being 100% eco friendly. However I am really proud of all the measures and changes I have put in place over the years. To get me to the point I am at today.

Examples of designs created using foam free sustainable mechanics

This cascading garland created for a wedding in the beautiful courtyard at Dartmouth House. The mechanics were all completely foam free. The mechanics for the garland conisted of chicken wire. Sectioned off using cable ties to create a ‘sausage’ like shape with the flowers then placed into water viles/test tubes. I used hardy, robust foliage. That I knew would be find to be left out of water for the day, provided it had a good drink beforehand. I thought this method worked rather well. However if I had been using less hardy foliage then I would have considered creating a long mossage instead. I’m always conscious that mossages make a garland heavier so that is something to keep in mind, particuarly if it is a hanging garland. Rather than a garland like the one above, that is draped over a structure or placed on a table.

This long tablescape, ran the full length of the table. It was an absoloute pleasure dressing the stunning Loggia Room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. This design was created using individual pasta dishes with chicken wire placed inside. Placed next to each other to create one long tablescape. Each dish labelled in number order, so once transported to the venue we knew which section of the design went where.

Even now I still absolutely adore this staircase installation created for a beautiful November wedding. I love how the design with some of the beech leaves starting to turn mimicked the season and what was happening amongst nature in that very moment. The colours too with its warm neutral pallet of tans, mochas, browns, blush, yellows and golds. Paired with subtle pops of orange, again was so very fitting for the time of year. When clients really lean into the season and embrace all the beauty it has to offer thats when the magic happens!

The staircase installation, made again using foam free sustainable mechanics. For this myself and my team created a series of different sized mossages, attached to the bannister using cableties. Creating this design in sections gave us the freedom to place the mossages exactly where we wanted them on the day. Producing the effect that the flowers and greenery were naturally growing up the bannister, which is exactly what we wanted. The bottom ‘meadow’ section was made using a plastic trough and chicken wire.

Planning and organising

As I have mentioned, foam free floristry. In particular, designing and creating larger scale foam free installations absolutely does require some what more planning, thought and organising. However it is 100% doable! Factoring extra time for watering all your vessels once you arrive at the venue. Obviously during transit some of the water can spill out from the centrepieces, urns etc. so always allow enough time to top up vessels. Mossages, remember to soak these one or two days prior to the event depending on how hot it is. You don’t want these too wet that they then drip, leaving water on the floor, tables etc.

If you are new to floristry and wanting to learn how to create designs using foam free floristry using sustainable mechanics or an established florist wanting to make a switch to foam free floristry. We can cover this during a 1:1 workshop if there are particular designs you would like to focus on I offer a full and half day option. As well as coming for a 1:1 over two days as well.